Two rising actresses, Emi Thasorn and Beonnie Pussarasorn, are taking center stage in the latest Thai series "Us รักของเรา," which is quickly gaining traction among audiences excited for fresh narratives. Over the past two years, the genre of Girls' Love, or sapphic romance, has taken Thai entertainment by storm, reflecting changing societal norms and increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships.
Produced by GMMTV, "Us รักของเรา" tells the story of ‘Dorak’ who escapes her family's expectations and pursues her own path, working at a café and gallery until she meets ‘Pam,’ a young doctor, and they fall for each other. What complicates their budding romance is Dorak's vow to keep her feelings secret to allow Pam to assist her brother romantically. This adds layers to the plot, making it both romantic and dramatic.
For both Emi and Beonnie, this marks their debut as lead characters, pushing them to step outside their comfort zones. "I feel like it’s a piece of art we can create," Beonnie shared, expressing her excitement as she tackles this challenging new role, especially one embedded so deeply within the nuances of love and identity.
Beonnie's backstory is refreshing; growing up as cheerful yet shy, she started with dreams of becoming a cartoonist and stumbled upon acting after trying her hand at modeling. Despite her initial hesitations, she enthusiastically embraced acting, realizing it filled her need for creative expression. "I need to be physically and mentally prepared for this role," shared Emi, who also faces her own hurdles with the character’s deep emotional trials. Both actresses agreed they needed to invest significantly to embody their roles sincerely.
Specific challenges posed by their characters, from expressing complex emotions to learning instruments like the guitar, have tested both actresses. Beonnie, especially, pointed out how demanding her character’s emotional range is, "It’s like balancing various feelings—it's not just sadness but so much more beneath the surface. I have to deeply understand my character’s background and motivations.”
Emi, who entered the industry with aspirations of pursuing music, found herself drawn to acting through various roles until she made her mark. "When I got the chance for the lead role, I didn't have any expectations during casting ", she reflected. Today, she finds herself alongside Beonnie, completing each other’s performances, which has enriched their acting experience. “Working with Beonnie initially felt tense, as we are quite different, but her approachable nature broke the ice, quickly making us friends,” she said, pointing out how their different views helped forge their on-screen chemistry.
The series not only offers entertainment but also serves as commentary on real-life dynamics between two young women exploring their love against societal expectations. This notion resonates deeply with both actresses who share strong hopes for successful careers within this genre. "I want to succeed in my career," Beonnie declared confidently, reinforcing her desire for not just fame but authentic accomplishments.
Emi echoed similar sentiments emphasizing the importance of balancing life ambitions with personal happiness, learning from their artistic endeavors, and cherishing growth through this experience. Reflecting on what motivates her, she stated, "Everything happens for a reason," showcasing her positive outlook on life.
The rising trend of Girls’ Love narratives is not just entertainment—it's aiding the shift toward social acceptance. With each series like this gaining views, there lies potential to widen perspectives and educate the public eventually. Emi and Beonnie's heartfelt portrayals will surely influence viewers positively. This vibrant center stage they're stepping onto signifies hope—the hope for acceptance, for stories untold, and for love freed from barriers.
With "Us รักของเรา," both Emily and Beonnie are not just performing; they're on the frontline of cultural change, making it more imperative than ever to support their path toward success and recognition. Their journeys reflect both personal and societal growth, advocating for narratives rich with authenticity, inspiring future generations to embrace who they are.